Ed Earle

Ed Earle started his softball career in 1949, playing shortstop for the Chi-Kings in the Father Jerry League where they won the league three years in a row. They also were champions in the Rockola Stadium League and the Chicago Herald-American Tournament. Ed later switched teams and played for Spalter Finance where they won the playoff at Thillen's Stadium. During this series of games, Ed Earle was first in triples, second in home runs and hit an incredible four home runs on one game, a feat that warranted a story and picture in the July 19, 1950 edition of the Herald-American. Earle's string of championships continued when he joined the Dugouts at the Portage Park League where they won the title three years and . took second place at Clarendon Park. Next Earle played for Kool Vent Awnings at Clarendon Park and the Chicago and Kedzie League, a park where Ed and his teammates took home many jackpot games Earle was known around the 16" game as a long ball hitter to left and right center with the ability to punch the ball over the infield. He was selected to the Rich Melman All-Star Team before 1985. Ed Earle graduated from Schurz High School where he captained the basketball team and the golf team. He was also starring guard at Loyola University for three years, scoring over 1000 points in his career. He is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame at Schurz High School and Loyola University. He is retired after 26 years with the Sales Division of Yellow Freight Systems. He lives in Park Ridge, IL.

Team Eastsiders Softball / Honored 2011 Team Recognition

Team Eastsiders Softball

In 1976, John "Muggs" Mirabelli, a veteran softball player, decided to start a softball team to introduce his brothers, Gar and Todd, to the game. They started out as Little Ray's Bar, playing in leagues at Cal, Wolfe, and Bessemer Parks. After some success in 1976, Mirabelli brought in new players, expanded his goals, and changed the team name to the Eastsiders. They picked up Dan Crnjak, Tom Newman (HOF), Joe Somodi, Ed Borngraver and Ron Amazzalorso from the Huns. Dave Jesky, Chuck "Bosh" Milosavljevic Bob Pagorek (HOF), Matt Dosen, SR (HOF), Nick Hecimovich, Bill Miller, and John Kavanaugh also joined the team. (Kavanaugh also managed). With their newly stocked team, the Eastsiders played in leagues around the South side and south suburbs of Chicago. They also competed in every tournament they could get into. Not afraid to shy away from tough competition, the young Eastsiders competed against many "major" teams. In their first national appearance in 1980, they beat the tournament favorite Raiders and finished fifth in the tournament. After that they regularly battled such major teams the Whips, Touch, and Safari Tigers. They won the Blue Island Major League title in the mid-'80s against some great competition. They lost to the Whips by a run in the playoff championship. Success brought more great players. The Eastsiders soon developed a reputation as a great defensive team with a decent offense and as a team that would battle to the end. They continued to play major softball, winning league titles and championships throughout the Chicago area. In 1991 when the Whips disbanded, they picked-up Jim Lang, Jr. and Hall of Fame players Rich Ladewig, Dave Bischoff, Bob McClelland, and Randy Filkins. That year they won numerous leagues and tournaments but fell flat in the national in Kingman, Arizona. After 1998, with many players reaching their forties, they decided to compete in "A" tournaments and leagues. That year they combined with players from the Beverly area to form The Men From Uncle, named for "Uncle Pete" Crnjak (HOF), a long-time sponsor. They dominated "A" ball that year by winning a state and ASA National title at Joliet. Todd Mirabelli has managed this team and has managed the Eastsiders ever since, leading them to multiple titles at the Best of the Western Tournament and other tournaments. Much of the team's nucleus still competes with many sons playing along side their fathers. 2003-2010 the Eastsiders played in Hall of Famer Pat McGuire's Mann Park League winning all eight years. In 2011, for the first time since 1977, the Eastsiders did not compete, due to injuries and bad scheduling. But 2012 is a new year, so stay tuned for more Eastsiders softball! They would like to thank their long-term sponsors: Alderman Ed Vrdolyak, Uncle Pete Crnjak, Jim's Lakeside Inn, Spike's Lakeside Inn, T's Tap, O'Hara's Tavern, and Elmwood Chapel.
Eastsiders Players Ron Amazzalorso Tim Kavanaugh Kevin Oost John Banach Ben Kokolowski Steve Ostoich Mark Benson Bobby Krauss Bob Pagorek, Sr. * Matt Biondic * Bill Kress Bob Pagorek, Jr. Steve Biondic Joe Krutilla John Pazlowski Dave Bischoff * Bob Kujawa Harry Peterson Ed Borngraver, Jr. Rich Ladewig * John Puchalski Bob Cundiff Jim Lang, Jr. Jim Puplava Luddy DeFlippo Al Lasowski Johnny Rogers Matt Dosen, Sr. * Pat Lindeman Larry Rosol Matt Dosen, Jr. Tim Lindeman Steve Ruzic Marty Dosen Fred Lorenzatti Jim Saggu John Esposito Paul Martens Tom Sandanoto Kevin Fanta John Marciniak Jim Sherlock Jim Farrell Joe Massina Dan Skipton Keith Filkins Bob McClelland * Pete Socci Randy Filkins * Tony Megaro Joe Somodi John Flowers Ron Michi Tonto Somodi John Furlan John Milanovich Mike Standley Bill Gleeson Steve Milanovich Robin Stanley Jay Gryzlak Bill Miller Scott Starcevich Terry Harris Chuck Milosauljevic Tom Stelmaszek Nick Hecimovich Gar Mirabelli Paul Stubich Tom Hendron John Mirabelli Brian Summers John Haase Mike Mirabelli John Tomaska Bob Hooper Todd Mirabelli Lee Tornicasa Jan Hrisinko Corey Newman Joe Tumpich Wayne Jazwierski Jeremy Newman John Tumpich Dave Jeskey Tom Newman * George Youkovich John Kavanaugh, Sr. Brian Nowakowski John Kavanaugh, Jr. Bob Oganovich * indicates Hall of Fame Inductee

Jim Edgeworth / Inducted 1998 Pioneers 1887-1949

Jim Edgeworth

Softball in Chicago owes much to Jim Edgeworth who worked for many years with gusto and with characteristic good humor to promote it, especially in the industrial leagues. Jim grew up in Beverly at 91st and Pleasant Avenue. He attended St. Margaret of Scotland Grammar School and Mount Carmel High School in 1922. Sports were Jim's passion from childhood to adulthood. For over 45 years he was active as an umpire and referee of softball and basketball. He also coached at St#. Sabina at 77th and Racine. After being a member of the Official Umpires Association, Jim Edgeworth became one of the founders of the Umpires Protective Association. He served for almost a generation as the secretary and principal organizer of softball leagues of employees in the Clearing Industrial District. Many days Jim would skip his lunch hour to check the condition of the softball diamonds at Marquette Park. Jim and his wife, Ann, were married for 54 years. They have five children. His wife survives Jim and lives in Michigan City, Indiana.

Mike Ellerby / Inducted 2003 1980's & 1990's Era

Mike Ellerby

“Special thanks to my two greatest fans , Mom and Dad (Doris and Bob Ellerby).” Mike Ellerby started his softball career at 17 playing with his uncle, Joe Legner, and his Babe Ruth baseball coach, Fred Ballatine. After playing first base and making the league’s all-star team, Mike headed west to Carol Stream to play with the Jax. With his solid arm strength, Jax moved him from first base to shortstop, a position he played throughout his career. After playing with a variety of local teams (Redneck Mothers and Bruins), Mike joined Meadows and tasted the ASA Metro tournament finals for the first time. Although Meadows lost in the final game, Mike whetted his appetite for national competition. After joining Magic, Mike batted second and teamed up with Pat Heraty to form a potent r.b.i. duo. For two decades Magic made it to national tournaments. After finishing play with Meadows lead by Dick Cooper at Mt. Prospect, Ellerby continued his Mt. Prospect Classic League play when he joined the Taggers and Frank Holan. The Taggers were perennial top ten finishers at national tournaments, winning the USSSA Nationals in 1991 and taking second in 1992. Mike then joined MGD (formerly the Taggers) in the 90’s and ended his Classic League play. After a brief stint with Performance Metals, Ellerby returned to national play with Florida Tropics where he earned First Team All-American honors in 1999, adding to his Second Team honors earned in 1993, 1996, 1997, and 1998. Mike will always be known as a player who gave 100% on the field during every game. Over his 25-year career, he has made many friendships that are still intact today. He is honored to have played with and against some of the great players and managers of all time. Mike lives in Bolingbrook with his wife, Karen, and their two children, Lauren and Kevin. He works in the IT department of Sears Roebuck and Company.

Bob Eskew / Inducted 2009 Umpires & Managers

Bob Eskew

Bob Eskew started playing 16-inch softball for the Calumet City Park District while in high school. After graduating, he went into the Army. Once he returned to civilian life, he enrolled at Chicago State University and quickly became friends with many of the members of the women's softball team. After graduation, they asked him to coach their 16-inch team and soon Rose & Crown was formed. They quickly became one of the legendary teams in 16-inch softball history. Since its inception in 1976, Rose & Crown won 488 games against only 44 losses. They won fifteen league titles, 28 of 36 tournaments and nine successive ASA Metro titles. During its reign, approximately 70 athletes have played for Rose& Crown. Veteran players credit Eskew with providing the glue and the coaching expertise to mold them into champions and the wisdom to help them sustain their successes. Besides coaching, Bob also played 16-inch softball with Tub's Pub, Studs, and Wilbur's Cats. Bob has coached at the high school level for thirty-four years. He has coached the varsity boys basketball team at Thornton Fractional North and at Prairie State College. He was also head baseball coach, head girls volleyball coach, and assistant boys basketball coach at Bloom Township High School. He has three children - Robbie, Matt, and Megan. Bob lives in Schererville, Indiana.